Cancer Research Foundation of America's Congressional Families Action For Cancer Awareness Program Honors National Advocates For Their Efforts In Cancer Prevention

Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation
Monday, 3 December 2001

Three outstanding individuals were honored today on Capitol Hill by Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson and Miss America 2002 Katie Harman for their dedication to raising awareness about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection.

The awards, led by mistress of ceremonies Jan Smith, wife of melanoma survivor Sam Donaldson, were given on behalf of the Cancer Research Foundation of America's Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness program. The program is a bipartisan outreach effort by family members of the Senate, House, Cabinet and Supreme Court to increase cancer awareness led by Tamra Bentsen (TX-25).

"Barbara Everett, Leslie Mouton and Melissa Thomas are leaders in the war against cancer," stated Bentsen. "Their tireless efforts are truly inspirational and they have undoubtedly saved countless lives — and will save countless more. The Congressional Families program is privileged to honor them today."

Barbara Everett, wife of Congressman Terry Everett (AL-2) received the Congressional Spouse Award for her tremendous contributions toward educating constituents and health care providers about the importance of cancer prevention and screening. Barbara, a breast cancer survivor, has tirelessly participated in breast cancer awareness forums, created breast cancer panels for the public as well as training programs for medical professionals and their students and taped local radio and television public service announcements promoting breast cancer prevention. She has also created a national satellite uplink training program for medical professionals. She continues to strive to raise public awareness for women in an effort to increase survival rates, early detection and early treatment. Barbara was nominated by Glenda Miller and her husband Congressman Dan Miller (Fl-13).

Melissa Thomas of Columbus, Ohio was presented the Advocate Award for her tireless work in educating Amish, Mennonite and Appalachian Communities on the importance of breast and cervical cancer screening. Melissa, who grew up in a small Appalachian town on the Ohio River, lost her grandmother Mazie to colon cancer, after a doctor failed to inform her of her diagnosis until one year after the screening tests were completed.

She dedicated her life to educating women about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection creating BEST (Breast, Education, Screening and Treatment), a free women's health program in Franklin County. Melissa also created the nationally-recognized Messages in Motion which provides creative, culturally-sensitive cancer education programs for Appalachia. Melissa was nominated by Janet Voinovich and her husband Senator George Voinovich (OH).

Leslie Mouton, News Anchor of KSAT-TV in San Antonio, Texas was honored with the Media Award for using her public platform to share her personal battle with breast cancer with her viewers. Through this venue she educates women on the importance of breast exams. In addition to her on-air presentations and news stories on cancer prevention, she has produced an instructional video that gives hope and courage to other cancer patients. Leslie was nominated by Becky Whetstone and her husband Congressman Charles Gonzalez (TX-20).

"These women represent hope in the battle against cancer," stated Miss America 2002 Katie Harman, whose platform is dedicated to improving the quality of life for women with breast cancer. "Their dedication to providing women, as well as their families, with quality education and support has been tireless. I am delighted that I could be here to help honor them today."

The Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness program enables Congressional Spouses to educate their constituents, in their respective states and home districts throughout the year, about cancer prevention and early detection. The initiative began in 1991 between the Congressional Club and the Cancer Research Foundation of America.

The Cancer Research Foundation of America is a national nonprofit health organization whose mission is the prevention and early detection of cancer through scientific research and education. Founded in 1985 by Carolyn Aldigé, the organization's commitment to prevention is fueled by the fact that certain cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and screening, yet more than 553,000 Americans die from the diseases annually. Since its inception, the Foundation has provided $50 million in support of research, education and early detection.

For more information, or to contact Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, see their website at: www.preventcancer.org